Options to consider when buying deck railing

While designing your space think about what materials you want as an accent. Do you have a view you love that you want highlighted? Are you trying to prevent wind or do you want to welcome the weather? Some of the most common options for railing material are:

Glass

Glass railing systems are exquisite. It gives your deck an elegant and beautiful look without sacrificing your view. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s usually expensive to install. It also tends to be easily damaged, especially when it is mishandled during installation.

You can get around this problem by using tempered, shatterproof safety glass. Installing glass railing requires expertise, so you should always hire a professional to help you out. To keep your glass railing looking great you need to regularly clean it every few months, depending on the weather condition in your area.

Cable Railing

Cable railing is made from a wide range of materials ranging from steel, wood, aluminum, and composites. Cable railing systems are an excellent way to open up your deck, giving it a more modern finish at the same time. If you have the skills, you can install the units on your own, but if you have never done it before, let a professional handle the project. Either way, cable railing is more affordable than glass railing.

Wood

Wood railings can be very expensive or low quality depending on the material used in fabricating them. If you are operating on a tight budget, go for pressure-treated wood. For a high-end look that will last for a long time, go for railing units made from tropical hardwoods. To improve the look of your wood railing you should install it in exciting designs such as Craftsman and Chippendale.

Tips to Consider When Installing the Railing Materials

Contractors

It’s always wise to hire a contractor to install the railing for you. For a great experience, hire the most experienced contractor that you can afford. If you don’t want to hire a contractor, go with railing systems that are easy to install, and you can install them on your own. These include: wood, cable and many other materials.

Building Codes

Did you know that the municipal council is able bring down your deck railing if you install it improperly? To avoid this, you need to install the railing properly. As rule of thumb, you should get a building permit if your deck is more than 24 inches off the ground. If installing cable railing, ensure that the rails are no more than 4 inches apart. This is to prevent children from slipping through. A call to the city will save you problems in the future. Keep in mind that local building codes supersede state or national code.

Conclusion

While designing a deck or embarking on a home improvement project remember to think about your railing. Take a look at your budget, your environment, and your space, then do the research. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at some of our recent projects for deck railing ideas.